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Eight years after releasing his successful debut album JUST BETWEEN US, L.A. keyboardist and composer Brad Alexander is enjoying yet another prolific year, following his singles “In a Mello Mood” and the super high-energy “It Gets Better and Better” with “A Song For You,” one of his most engaging and unabashedly romantic tunes ever. Though it bears the title of the Leon Russell composed pop/R&B classic, it’s clear from his elegant yet lighthearted, improvisation-filled piano playing (and the powerful sax solo) that this heartwarming gem is a powerful personal expression of passion with a lot of excitement to complement the candlelight. 

The son of a drummer who played with Sonny Rollins and Aretha Franklin, Michael “Storm” Baskins was already skilled playing jazz drums in his teens but was having a tough time mastering R&B. At a gig one night, the legendary Elvin Jones gave him prophetic advice: “Listen to feel. Feel to listen.” Years later, after enjoying dual careers as a drummer and IT professional, Baskins continues full throttle into his Smooth Jazz career. His perfectly titled 2nd album, COOL IS BACK features colorful lead sax and piano melodies and exciting excursions into traditional jazz, Miles Davis vibes, cool urban funk and inspiring gospel-jazz. This one's a must for your playlist!

If you’ve already got a lot of saxophone music in your holiday stocking, get your groove on in a whole different way the moody and soulful trombone tones of Hank Bilal’s intimate yet lively, eclectic jam A BONA FIDE CHRISTMAS. Chock full of sexy, re-imagined classics that you mistakenly thought you had heard every possible version of, the collection features Bilal easing from simmering urban jazz to old school swing, hipster hip-hop in duet with fellow horn man Lin Rountree as well as taking things hypnotic, funky and mysterious with flutist Althea Rene.  

It’s fitting that a portion of the proceeds from the pre-sale of Congolese born, Stockholm based singer-songwriter Marius Bilgobenson’s latest single “A Little Bit of Honey” was donated to the international anti-poverty, social justice organization Global Citizen. The multi-talented artist is a concerned and compassionate musical citizen of the world, committed to bridging cultural divides through his music. Produced by and featuring guitarist Paul Brown – who helmed two tracks on Bilgobenson’s album THE SPIRIT LOVE – the charming and romantic, horn-spiced tune fuses exotic African rhythms and sensibilities with a soulful, urban jazz vibe. The tune features performances by David Garfield, Shane Theriot, Ron King and Freddie Washington. Welcome back Marius... You are a voice for the voiceless! 

Thirteen years after his last solo album, German guitarist Uli Brodersen – a longtime collaborator with Smooth Jazz keyboardist Amandus – has enjoyed a career renaissance in 2024, with two singles (“South of Summer,” “Coast to Coast”) and the EP CITY LIGHTS. With a title that serves as personal motivation to keep the exciting momentum going, his latest track “Stay With It” is the perfect showcase for the buoyancy and crackling excitement of his trademark funky and intricate playing. It’s a moody, contemplative track that finds him weaving an infectious melody over a soulful beat, caressed by lush synth atmospheres. 

A longtime in demand NYC studio musician sideman (Joe Sample, Elton John, Tina Turner), veteran actor and martial artist, saxophonist Michael Cates is off to a great start as a Smooth Jazz star, releasing five singles in the first ten months of 2024, including his latest soaring and inspiring melodic gem, “Where Do We Go From Here?” This vibrant tune emerged from a time of prayer and meditation during a major life storm - and the sense of tranquility that followed. The song perfectly embodies the unbridled energy of a storm as played from a safe emotional distance. Cates' art of saxophone expression delivers a much welcomed passion and skillset to the future of Smooth Jazz.

A unique composer/keyboardist known for blending Smooth Jazz with reggae, calypso, hip-hop, Latin and classical music, Antigua born Craigology won Best Chill Out single at the 2022 OWMR Awards for his song “Attractive.” Capping an incredible year featuring four gentle piano oriented singles, his PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS: SOLO PIANO MUSIC album lives up to its title with fresh beautifully, meditative renditions of the holiday’s most sacred and solemn hymns, as well as light jazzy grooves for Smooth Jazz fans – capped by a musical collage of Christmas carols and a reflective twist on “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” It's perfect background music for dinner parties and cozy December evenings with the one you love. 

With the title of his soaring, emotionally hard-hitting and solo-filled funk fest, “Hi There!,” veteran saxophonist Shawn De Lacy greets Smooth Jazz audiences with both a musical bang and a sweet, promising smile full of hope for so much more. Full of tight, bubbling mid-tempo grooves, dreamy atmospheres and exotic synth touches, De Lacy’s debut single, arrives after years playing and recording in various cities around the country (Chicago, Miami, L.A.), opening for everyone from Richard Elliot and Roy Ayers to Pieces of a Dream and working behind the scenes with The Crusaders’ Wilton Felder as well as mega-producer Preston Glass. Produced for Smooth Jazz enthusiasts by the fresh new production team on the scene, Sandy Shore (SmoothJazz.com) and Peter Ferencz (Peet Project).

The best jazz ensemble music happens when super talented, highly intuitive players get together and work towards a “Common Goal,” which is the perfect name for the latest single by stylistically eclectic NYC pianist/composer Walter Duda. Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Jeff Jones, the track boasts a multitude of sizzling dynamics and otherworldly improvisational solo action. Duda’s fanciful keyboards are present throughout, legendary bassist Will Lee is named as the featured artist and saxophonist Jon Smith rocks a burning solo, but this incendiary track equally belongs to bassist Miroslav Vitous, drummer Shawn Pelton, guitarist Al Ferrante and keyboardist Alan Palanker. 

Looking for a joyful, bold, brassy, big band flavored jam to spice up your holidays this year? Check out Clearwater FL based crooner and songwriter Nick Dukas’ fast swinging, high octane single “It’s Christmas Time Again,” a song featuring smooth vocals, clever wordplay, a spin through all the things that make the season bright and a warm spirit of gathering with loved ones. Originally released in 2023, the track’s already a winner, earning a silver medal for outstanding achievement in the holiday music category of the Silver Global Music Awards - marking his twelfth win overall. In addition, the song has already earned airplay in 75 countries!

Before he was working with the likes of Jeff Lorber and establishing himself as an up-and-coming Smooth Jazz artist, guitarist John E. Lawrence was something of a legendary figure at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, where he taught and developed music courses for 36 years and created the “Living Legends Series,” which hosted numerous jazz and R&B luminaries. With a title that taps into his shift from academia to recording artist over the last decade, his latest single is a snappy, ultra-melodic delight showcasing his nimble, speedy electric guitarisma over an increasingly charismatic groove.  

Typical of the kinds of stats quoted by emerging artists in their 20s, 26-year-old neo-soul jazz multi-instrumentalist, producer Will Eason boasts 70K social media followers and more than 200k monthly listeners. The Cornwall, England native’s numbers now include over 230,000 streams for “Before I Knew,” a spirited soul-jazz single that marks his second dynamic collaboration with fellow Cornish musician, silky smooth, soulful vocalist and co-writer Joe Hurworth. While the instantly engaging track, which was highlighted on BBC Introducing with an interview and live session, is mostly a pop/R&B track, Eason’s twinkling piano improvisation towards the end affirms his equal passion for jazz.  

Blending the whimsical groove of Smooth Jazz with the romantic breeziness of Hawaii, Smooth Island Jazz is a collaboration between entertainment entrepreneur john iervolino (Quiet Storm Records) and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Reggie Griffin. Following their sparkling debut album Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli’i (Pronounced Moh-koh-LEE-ee), the duo returns with the even more eclectic and engaging collection Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi (pronounced Leh-AH-hee aka Diamond Head). The album features a brass-fired take on a Kalapana classic (with original keyboardist Kirk Thompson), a funky rendition of a Ramsey Lewis/Earth, Wind & Fire tune, and two lush originals by Griffin. It feels like an invitation to the ultimate island getaway, with special guest artists like Benny Rietveld, Rayford Griffin, Rodney Franklin, Volcano Choy, Moon Brown, and Maelan Abran.

After showcasing his ongoing commitment to creating music with NO BOUNDARIES on his 2023 release, veteran saxophonist Dee Lucas celebrates his successful two decades as a Smooth Jazz recording & performing artist as well as a 4x chart-topping hitmaker  on TWENTY. Featuring a sexy, hip-hop and classic soul-flavored vocal tune with Kevin Bennett and a snazzy, mid-tempo jam co-written and spotlighting keyboardist and mega-producer Michael Broening, the album is a mostly upbeat, buoyant and playfully grooving affair that all at once reflects on the consistency of the past, brings fresh, silky and funky (and a taste of Latin) fire to the present and exudes optimism for the future!

With each successive recording full of catchy and uber-melodic, urban-tinged Smooth Jazz delights, the Next Lev’l Band continues living up to its uniquely challenging moniker. Launched by drummer Morris Harris, bassist Ernest Raheem and keyboardist Grant Nicholas, the popular Baltimore based ensemble infuses PURPLE PASSION – their first collection in four years – with a potent mix of lead instrumental voices. They complement the elegant and funky piano of Nicholas with crisp, edgy spotlights for electric guitar, and, most prominently, the soaring sax energy of guest Eddie Baccus, Jr. – all topped at special moments by silky, soulful female backing vocals. 

Calling to mind the title of sax man’s Shawn Raiford’s critically praised 2020 debut album, MAN WITH A HORN… While many may call themselves ‘men (or women) with horns, few know what to do with it to create the magic and make an emotional connection! Raiford, who’s been sharing his vibrant and adventurous horn-fire with fans in and around his home base in California for years, continues his breakthrough hot streak by following his recent, top-charting single, a sassy and brassy twist on Silk Sonic’s #1 multi-Grammy winning smash, “Leave the Door Open,” with his 3rd pre-release single, “Vallejo,” from his forthcoming album THE NEXT STEP. This jazzy nod to the original East San Francisco Bay Area hip hop scene sound, pioneered by Mac Dre and E-40 promises to propel Mr. Raiford further into Smooth Jazz star status! Becoming well-known for his live performances, the artist packs his rich, pure, dynamic tones into an entertaining, muscular delivery making for exciting concert productions featuring this supernova. 

From the barrios in Mexico City to the stages of the world, Evelyn Rubio has been an entertaining force since childhood! Her introduction into Smooth Jazz was 2020's "Port Isabel" which showcased the artist as a contemporary jazz contender featuring both sax and jazzy vocalizing. Combining her super powers as a singer and a saxophonist, Ms. Rubio has a wide variety of styles in her arsenal. From blues and rock to contemporary jazz and pop. Her latest collection PERFECT features previously released singles including the recent John Klemmer cover, "Touch," plus feel-good jazz and blues and elegantly crafted ballads. Singing in both Spanish and English, you'll find that while the words start to fill your heart, the music immediately moves your feet! The latest Smooth Jazz single from the album, is a beautiful brassy version of Minnie Riperton's "Loving You."

One of the greatest challenges for an emerging Smooth Jazz artist is creating a unique, instantly identifiable sound that stands out to listeners. Happy to say that with his winsome new single “It’s a Vibe,” guitarist Randy Sloan does just that. Making a splash after years of playing in rock and Top 40 bands, his electric guitar has a unique breezy yet crackling tone, perfect for instantly hummable melodies and intricate solo improvisations. After introducing his exciting guitar magic, he keeps the emphatic energy flowing with the help of saxophonist Ner de Leon, who duets amiably with Sloan and kicks into a wild solo, creating a vibe for sure!

Having topped the Smooth Jazz charts with his 2022 album LOVE CRUSADE, Tim “Sonix” Rouse – a veteran keyboardist composer who has worked with David Bowie, Barry White, DMC, Maxi Priest and Travis Barker – continues to whet our appetite for his upcoming follow-up collection LOVE CRUSADE 2.0. Following the triumphant “Victory,” the inventive artist weaves a hypnotic spell on the second lead single “Broadway” via neo-soul flavored verses and an intoxicating, adventurous synth/brass hook. He presents the uplifting, emphatic tribute to the summertime vibes of his native NYC with two versions, the second featuring the wild, incendiary soloing of sax prodigy William Prince.

Contemporary and Smooth Jazz have had their share of top violinists... Inspired by the great Jean-Luc Ponty, Debbie Spring brings a whole new vibrant vibe to the genre via her five-string viola. After decades of playing with everyone from The Mavericks to Miami Sound Machine and Sinatra to Shakira, the illustrious veteran musician follows her 2023 breakthrough album TOCAMOS with this brand new collection, HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU. The full album is a stylistically adventurous, genre-busting set that taps into the loves of her musical life, including bouncy, Latin-tinged horn jams, lush, romantic ballads, soaring orchestral pieces and a trippy, and tasty spin on a Seal classic, "Kiss from a Rose," plus special guest and fellow Floridian sax great Ed Calle guests on the dreamy, "Summer Sunset." 

It’s been a banner year for Jayson Tipp! The veteran keyboardist/composer celebrated 30 years since founding his popular “rough jazz” fusion band Under the Lake – which has been on a prolific creative roll since releasing a comeback album in 2018. 2023 also found Tipp releasing two hit airplay singles (one produced by Darren Rahn, the other by Adam Hawley) which laid a promising, momentum-filled foundation for the drop of his long-awaited Smooth Jazz debut album TABLE FOR ONE. Driven by his summery, upbeat grooves galore and a tasty mix of various keyboard sounds (including organ) with his lively, romantically inclined, improvisational piano excitement, the engaging collection features impactful guest appearances by saxophonists Quintin Gerard W (from Under the Lake) and Greg Vail as well as trumpeter Ilya Serov. 

Though Dennis van Aarssen released two popular non-seasonal recordings after winning The Voice of Holland 2019, the multi-talented singer, songwriter and leader of the DvA Bigband had his sights set on creating a holiday album even before he had a career in music. Living up to his bold statement that “Christmas is something that just belongs to me,” he was inspired to record his festive collection CHRISTMAS WHEN YOU’RE HERE by Jamie Cullum. Animated by a vibrant 20+ piece big band, these songs, penned with American songwriters Jeff Franzel and Maria Christensen, feel as powerfully evergreen as the classics. Van Aarssen adds to the bliss with the album’s new DELUXE EDITION, featuring the brand new, finger snappin' hit "Hitch A Ride With Santa." 

Considering that Grammy, Dove, ASCAP and Stellar Award-winning producer and pianist Daniel Weatherspoon has worked with everyone from Janet Jackson and Beyonce to BeBe & CeCe Winans, Paula Abdul and Maze, journeying through different forms of artistic expression led him to find his true sound in Smooth Jazz on his eclectic, sonically rich 3rd album, HOME. The talented musician follows an ambient spiritual spoken word intro with a sensually seductive ballad, a mid-tempo funk jam, a moody, trippy synth adventure, an ambient gospel piece featuring Take 6’s Mark Kibble and a lively, in the pocket urban/Smooth Jazz romp featuring saxophonist Marqueal Jordan that is sure to be a hit in the genre!

Saxophonist, producer and touring musician Jamie WilliamS. jazzes up the Season with his first Holiday offering, a cover of NSYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" (written by Justin Timberlake) and included on his forthcoming Christmas EP. This top notch musician is an educator at the esteemed Full Sail University in the Music Production Dept in Winter Park, Florida where he teaches both undergraduate and master level courses. His festive new tune promises to raise your spirits high as you celebrate with your friends and family! 

Dropping an extraordinary eight albums over the past four years, Patrick Yandall remains one of the genre's most prolific artists even after three plus decades! Though the San Diego music legend is alternately edgy and sensitive, his guitar playing is always the focus. On this latest masterwork, YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT, he also showcases his equally impressive, ultra melodic piano and organ skills, with moody atmospheres on a sizzling Santana classic, plus fiery horn section funk on a fast-burning Tower of Power chestnut. Complementing all the higher-octane tracks are a handful of hopeful mid-tempo tunes, including the encouraging title track featuring the beautiful vocals of Rachael Dickenson.    

Versatile composer/guitarist Terence Young’s perfectly balanced musical life includes ten genre-hopping albums (Smooth Jazz, R&B, gospel, and fusion), plus a resume full of R&B icons, including sharing stages with Gladys Knight, Babyface and Gerald Albright and serving as musical director for Ashford & Simpson, Lenny Williams and Angie Stone. Fully embracing his trademark rhythmically tight, melodically magnificent, stylistically eclectic vibe, Young’s latest album THE PLAYLIST fits into today’s streaming aesthetic, by definition offering something for everyone’s taste –sometimes silky and breezy, often funky urban jazz, silky and romantic pop/soul, ambient new age and explosive rock guitar. Beautifully titled... Beautifully played!